“I no longer found any sense of purpose or joy in the work I was doing.”

What work were you doing previously?

I had a long career as an art director in advertising and design in NYC. 

After that, I became a creative consultant for luxury brands in Europe.

Originally from Brazil, I studied graphic design before moving to NYC to complete my education at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) and Cooper Union.

For over a decade, I worked with world-class brands like Rolex, Chopard, and Tag Heuer as a creative consultant in France and Switzerland.

What are you doing now?

I’m a full time artist and I give yoga lessons from time to time.

Why did you change?

I reached a point of extreme stress, on the verge of a breakdown. 

The toll on my health led to a chronic illness, and I no longer found any sense of purpose or joy in the work I was doing.

When was the moment you decided to make the change?

During the Covid lockdown, after a 20-year hiatus, I returned to painting and drawing. 

What began as a desire to create art for my own walls quickly became something deeper, a way to reconnect with the lush tropical nature of my Brazilian roots and find a sense of home I had missed since leaving in 2000.

How did you choose your new career?

Art has always been my refuge since childhood. 

Through years of therapy, I realized how deeply I wanted to return to drawing and painting. 

During those long and tedious Zoom calls, I started sketching again, much like I used to when I was bored at school. 

That simple act gradually guided me from my career as an art director to embracing life as an artist in my mid-40s.

Are you happy with the change?

Immensely and I can’t look back. 

For the first time in years, I feel aligned with who I truly am. My work no longer drains me, it nourishes me. 

Creating art gives me a sense of purpose and connection that I was missing before. Even though the path of an artist is full of challenges, it feels authentic, alive and meaningful. 

I finally wake up excited for what each day will bring.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

I do miss the stability of a steady income, but what I’ve gained far outweighs that. 

The peace of mind, the improvement in my health, and the joy I find in working in my studio every day are truly priceless.

How did you go about making the shift?

I realized that working in the luxury industry was no longer for me. 

It no longer aligned with my values, my creative needs, or the stage of life I was in. My body was also changing with perimenopause, asking me to slow down, take better care of myself, and spend more time with my family.

I had learned so much from my career, 11 years in advertising in New York, followed by consulting for luxury brands in France and Switzerland. 

It was incredibly enriching to help create campaigns for houses like Rolex, Chopard, and Tag Heuer, collaborate with A-list Hollywood stars, and work alongside exceptionally talented creators. 

I recognize the value of that experience, and I know I couldn’t have become the artist I am today without it.

As I began listening to myself more, I started to shift. Yoga had been part of my life for over 15 years, so I decided to become a yoga teacher while gradually reducing my work hours. 

At the same time, I slowly began exhibiting and selling my art, while also teaching yoga from time to time.

Step by step, this opened the path to the life I live now as an artist, one that allows me to create, heal, stay true to myself, and make an honest living.

How did you develop (or transfer) the skills you needed for your new role?

I’m mostly a self-taught artist.

I hold a university diploma in graphic design from Brazil and also took art classes while living in New York City for over a decade. That foundation was enough for me to take the leap.

What mattered most was giving myself the chance to pursue the dream I had always carried, even though I wasn’t encouraged as a child or young adult.

My years in advertising also became an unexpected asset. Having collaborated with countless artists while creating campaigns and content for more than two decades, I felt comfortable switching roles. 

If anything, I realized I had an advantage, unlike many incredibly talented artists I’ve met along the way, I already knew how to position and sell myself.

What didn’t go well? What wrong turns did you take?

I used to make a very comfortable living consulting for luxury brands. 

The year I took the leap, I earned in one year what I used to make in a good month as a creative consultant. That was tough, not just for me, but for my entire family.

I also had to learn humility. My previous success didn’t carry much weight in a field where I was essentially starting from scratch at 44. 

It wasn’t easy, and there were moments of doubt, but my art became my anchor. 

It helped me heal, gave me energy, and kept me focused, allowing me to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible?

The transition was only possible because I planned it over four years and had some savings. 

My husband is now the main breadwinner, which provides security, especially living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, Geneva.

We’ve all adapted to the new reality: less traveling, less shopping, and a much more conscious approach to spending. 

It’s taught us how to live intentionally and prioritize what truly matters.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

The most difficult thing was to keep believing in myself when most people around me didn’t. 

I didn’t receive as much encouragement from my family as I had expected, but maybe that’s because I’m the first in my lineage to leave a comfortable career to follow a dream. 

I couldn’t really expect guidance from people who hadn’t taken that leap themselves. Sometimes I doubted myself too. 

Those inner voices telling me I wasn’t good enough, or that the world doesn’t need any more artists or yoga teachers, were hard to silence. 

But those of us who take the chance know it’s essential to quiet those voices and keep moving forward. 

Some days are easier than others, but every step is worth it. Besides, there are no artists or yoga teachers exactly like me. 

There’s no need for fear of competition when you’re being your authentic self.

What help did you get?  

As I mentioned before, I had been in therapy for some time. 

I also hired a coach who helped me clarify my goals and priorities. 

I took online courses on building a small business, accessing state support, applying for exhibits and residencies, improving my communication and messaging, and honing my art. 

I also learned how to connect with and grow my audience, and how to use my work to support causes that are close to my heart. That’s very important to me.

What resources would you recommend to others?

I’d recommend exploring podcasts, books, and courses that can help turn a dream into reality. 

For me, The Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields has been particularly inspiring. 

I also believe that self-discovery, with the guidance of a coach or therapist, can be truly life-changing.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

Follow your heart, as cliché as that may sound. 

Whatever your passion is, explore it deeply. It’s not for nothing. You came to this life with a unique set of gifts. 

Ask yourself how you can take small steps every day to move closer to it, especially if you’re tired of your current job or career and dream of doing something different.

To find out more about Clarissa's art, visit https://clarissapvalaeys.com/

What lessons could you take from Clarissa's story to use in your own career change? Let us know in the comments below.